About this Unit
Strike Fighter Squadron 213 (VFA-213), known as the "Blacklions," was established on June 22, 1955. Originally flying the F2H Banshee, the squadron has operated several aircraft over its history, including the F-4 Phantom II and the F-14 Tomcat, before transitioning to the F/A-18F Super Hornet in 2006. VFA-213 has participated in numerous significant operations, such as Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing air superiority, precision strike, and reconnaissance capabilities. Today, the Blacklions continue to serve as a vital component of Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8), projecting power and supporting U.S. Navy missions worldwide.
Historical Facts
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Squadron Nickname: VFA-213 is famously known as the "Blacklions," a name and emblem they have proudly carried since their establishment.
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Establishment: The squadron was established on June 22, 1955, initially as VF-213, and has been an active part of the U.S. Navy's air power for nearly 70 years.
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Multiple Aircraft Types: Over its history, VFA-213 has flown a variety of aircraft, including the F2H Banshee, F4D Skyray, F-4 Phantom II, the F-14 Tomcat, and currently the F/A-18F Super Hornet.
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Final F-14 Tomcat Squadron: VFA-213 was the last active-duty U.S. Navy squadron to operate the legendary F-14 Tomcat, retiring the aircraft in 2006.
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Combat Experience: The Blacklions have seen combat in numerous conflicts, including the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
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Sundown of the Tomcat: The squadron's transition from the F-14 Tomcat to the F/A-18F Super Hornet was a significant moment marked by ceremonies and commemorative flights in 2006.
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Carrier Deployments: VFA-213 has deployed on various U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, including the USS Enterprise (CVN-65), USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), and USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77).
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Innovators in Technology: VFA-213 was among the first squadrons to operationally deploy with the Advanced Targeting Forward-Looking Infrared (ATFLIR) system, enhancing their precision strike capabilities.
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Pioneering "Fast Eagle" Call Sign: During the 1981 Gulf of Sidra incident, a Blacklions F-14 Tomcat, using the call sign "Fast Eagle," was involved in the first U.S. Navy air-to-air combat since the Vietnam War, shooting down two Libyan Su-22s.
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Distinctive Tail Art: The squadron’s aircraft are easily recognized by their distinctive black tails adorned with a white lion’s head, a symbol of their fierce reputation and camaraderie.
